Union opposes the outsourcing of police support services

Union members within Cambridgeshire police force have launched an e-petition opposing the outsourcing of services.

Unison officials from the county teamed up with Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police Staff Branches to argue against Government plans for forces to sell contracts to the private sector for the running of essential services including forensics, 999 call handling, and custody supervision.

The e-petition offers the public the chance to support Unison’s view that any cost-cutting privatisation measures would change the face of policing and have serious implications for public safety.

Dave Craig, branch secretary for Cambridgeshire’s Police Staff Branch, said: “We have repeatedly called for public consultation in relation to this major issue. However, sadly, the police authorities have yet to consult fully with the residents of the three counties.

“There is an alternative, and that is to keep the services in-house and use private sector expertise to implement a better service to the public while making the required budgetary savings imposed by the Coalition Government under their failing Austerity Plan.”

But a Home Office spokesman said: “The Government is committed to ensuring the police have sufficient resources to protect communities from violent disorder.

“Spending some £14bn a year, it is right for the police to make their contribution to reducing the record budget deficit. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has been clear that forces are making savings while the frontline of policing is being protected overall.”